Tributes to pier tragedy teenager

Floral tributes to Caitlin Ruddy at Cullercoats.'Picture by Jane Coltman

Published:09:54Wednesday 20 January 2016

Tributes have been paid to the teenager who died after being washed off Cullercoats Pier.

Caitlin Ruddy, 15, from Newcastle, had been visiting the pier on Saturday evening with a group of friends when she was hit by a large wave washed off at around 7.30pm.

Floral tributes to Caitlin Ruddy at Cullercoats.'Picture by Jane Coltman

She was pulled from the water and taken to hospital where she later died.

Her family visited the scene on Sunday, writing tributes and messages in the sand, while flowers have also been left at the scene.

Caitlin’s mum Sabrina Cook said: “She was beautiful, lovely. She had a bubbly personality. She had a heart of gold. She will be a huge miss to everyone.”

A tribute page has been set up on Facebook – with more then 4,000 people liking it – where friends and well-wishers have paid tribute to the popular teenager, a pupil at Newcastle College.

Floral tributes to Caitlin Ruddy at Cullercoats.'Picture by Jane Coltman

Caitlyn Smith wrote: “RIP gorgeous. Gone but never forgotten. Used to be so close and can’t believe that you’re gone. Still doesn’t seem real. You were far too young. Goes to show God only takes the best!”